Downunder Kayaking

LOCATED AT BELOW DECK
157 Rowayton Ave
Rowayton, CT 06853
United States
ph: (203) 852-0011x2

ADVENTURE TRIPS TO NEW ZEALAND

(and it's not just kayaking!!!)

 

The Great North Island Adventure 2008

February 11th - 22nd - follow link to PDF file

 

                    Cape Reigna                               Matakana                                       Piha   

One Tree Hill                                               Waiheke                                                    Hokianga
Photos by Judith Bacal and Kim Beaumont
Follow this link to read about Downunder's first Adventure Trip to New Zealand, read about our antics and view more photos.  http://kiwiadventure1.blogspot.com/  
In February of 2008, 7 Americans, 2 Aussies and a couple of Kiwi's traveled around the far north of New Zealand for 12 days.  This region is renowned for it's beautiful beaches, native culture, history and active things to do.  We arrived to a special and sacred Maori greeting, enjoyed several meals with them, healing practices and entertainment.  Enjoyed a twilight tour of an Ancient Kauri forest (25,000 years old) dwarfed by these magnificent trees.  The beaches were spectacular, as well as the sand dunes, and scenery.  Swimming and quad biking on 90 mile beach were some of my favorites!  Cape Reigna, our destination - where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Seas meet, was surreal in misty cloud cover.  Said to be the departing place of the spirits of recently deceased - we didn't see any!  We sailed around the Bay of Islands, accompanied and entertained by dolphins.  Paddling a Maori war canoe we learnt warrior calls and the accompanying scary faces - then took much pleasure in surprising onlookers!  Some of us went scuba diving the Rainbow Warrior - counted as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, by Jacques Cousteau.  Then relaxed on the delightful island of Waiheke, tasting the wine, lazing on the beaches, wandering the tracks.  On our last evening, we enjoyed a picnic on an ancient site of unusual rock formations reminiscent of Stone Henge and named Stony Batter.  We had a full moon rising on one side as the sun set on the other.  Our last days were spent in the Auckland region, shopping, visiting monuments, parks (chinese lantern festival). 
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Join us in 2009
Deposits for the 2009 trips start in March.  Note that the South Island trip currently has 8 (unconfirmed) bookings.
  1. February 23 - March 6 (12 days), 2009 Northland
    10 people
    Coastal and Culture: Tried and true - return with us and bask in the beauty of the coastal region of the far North, West Coast, Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands and the wine haven of Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland.  Be swept up in the mystery of the Maori culture, the richness of their heritage, and the magic of their sacred rituals.  Balance this with beach, bush and water fun, for a well rounded vacation.

     

  2. March 1 - 15 (14 days), 2009, South Island
    10 people 
    Serious Fun: The South is renowned for it's spectacular beauty and variety.  From glorious beaches to monumental mountains and glaciers.  Kayak national parks, swim with seals, explore vineyards, enjoy hot springs, quad farm land, scream on the longest flying fox, white water raft and pan for gold... Yep, there's a bit of everything in New Zealand!
  3. February 2010 (12 days) Central North Island 
    10 people
    Extreme Adventure: A trip for the active (and slightly nuts), of the Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo and neighboring regions, for hiking, kayaking, caving, rafting, quad biking, exploring volcanoes, shearing sheep - you can even milk a few cows if you like!  All the crazy things Kiwi's like to do! Then relax those weary muscles in thermal springs along the way, and enjoy the hospitality of locals.

 

Note:  to use frequent flier miles, airline tickets usually have to be booked 1 year in advance.  We are taking bookings now for the 2009 trip, maximum of 10 people.  $500 deposit pp.

      

 

 

 

LOCATED AT BELOW DECK
157 Rowayton Ave
Rowayton, CT 06853
United States
ph: (203) 852-0011x2